Hart Davis Hart Continues its Strong Lead in 2014, Smashing Records and Further Solidifying a Near Perfect All-Time Sell-Through Rate
(Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart, America’s #1 Wine Auction House in 2012 and 2013, followed up its record-breaking February auction of the H.B. Harris, Jr. Collection with a highly-charged, 100% sold March sale, posting $5.1 million in sales against a pre-auction estimate of $3.3-$4.9 million.
Encyclopedic offerings of finest Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and New World wines from top vintages sold for remarkable prices at the two-day auction, which took place in Chicago. Parcels of 2009 Bordeaux from the Wine Trust Collection performed particularly well, undoubtedly due in part to the outstanding provenance of this consignment. Nearly all of the 2009s sold above their midpoint estimates, with over half exceeding top estimates, including 15 cases of La Mission Haut-Brion which sold for a total of $147,583 (est. $90,000-135,000). Top California wines including those from Shafer, Screaming Eagle, Scarecrow and Dominus saw equally high demand. A mere 3 bottles of 1997 Screaming Eagle sold for $13,145 (est. $7,500-11,000), while a case of 2007 Scarecrow sold for $10,755 (est. $6,000-9,000). Altogether, California Cabernet and Meritage wines brought in a total of $1,006,847 against presale estimates of $670,420-$1,002,710.
Bidders in the March auction also excitedly took advantage of a second and final opportunity to win lots from the remarkable H.B. Harris, Jr. Collection. This sale’s installment from the impeccable collection added an additional $280,765 to the $7.5 million brought in by HDH’s February auction, which was devoted exclusively to the cellar. Including sales of the estate’s wines through HDH’s retail venue, the Harris Collection has now brought in over $8 million. Demand was also high for the sale’s magnificent offering of rare Oenothèque direct from the estate’s cellars in Epernay, which shattered the presale high end estimate of $299,990, bringing in a total of $341,651. Attendees in the room happily sampled vintages of the renowned champagne while witnessing 12 bottles of the 1971 Oenothèque Commande Spéciale (2008 disgorgement) sell for $31,070 (est. $16,000-24,000) and six magnums of the 1988 Dom Pérignon Rosé, Oenothèque, Commande Spéciale (2004 disgorgement) sell for $23,900 (est. $15,000-22,000).
Held at the award-winning Tru Restaurant, the auction welcomed feverish participation from collectors worldwide. Eager bidders within the room competed vigorously with absentee bidders from 40 states, as well as Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mexico, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
“Bidders today showed an impressive demand for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Californian wines of top quality and provenance,” remarked CEO Paul Hart. “These results demonstrate the continued strength and vitality of the wine market, particularly within the US.”
Hart Davis Hart’s next sale will take place the weekend of May 17th and will be devoted exclusively to the sale of finest Burgundy wines.
Top Lots by Price (inclusive of 19.5% buyer’s premium):
Lot 913: 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild (12bs) (est. $26,000-38,000) $35,850
Lot 1911: 1971 Dom Pérignon, Oenothèque, Commande Spéciale (2008 disgorgment) (12 bs) (est. $16,000-24,000) $31,070
Lot 1849: 1999 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (2 bs) (est. $18,000-28,000) $28,680
Lot 1883: 2000 Château Pétrus (6 bs) (est. $15,000-22,000) $26,290
Lot 1927: 1988 Dom Pérignon Rosé, Oenothèque, Commande Spéciale (2004 disgorgement) (6 mags) (est. $15,000-22,000) $23,900
Lot 967: 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild (12 bs) (est. $13,000-19,000) $20,315
Lot 1850: 1999 La Tâche, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (6 bs) (est. $15,000-22,000) $20,315
Lot 1886: 2006 Château Pétrus (12bs) (est. $15,000-22,000) $20,315
Lot 1915: 1975 Dom Pérignon, Oenothèque, Commande Spéciale (2007 disgorgement) (12 bs) (est. $12,000-18,000) $20,315
Lot 1882: 1998 Château Pétrus (6 bs) (est. $10,000-15,000) $19,120
Sale Stats
Percent sold by lot: 100%
Total Aggregate: $5,050,058
Low Pre-Sale Estimate: $3,296,370
High Pre-Sale Estimate: $4,923,890
Auction Calendar
May 17, 2014
June 28, 2014
September 20, 2014
About Hart Davis Hart Wine Co.
Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. is both a dynamic retailer and an internationally prominent wine auction house, occupying a unique position in the rare wine market. We offer collectors and restaurateurs a broad range of options for buying and selling wines, providing unrivaled expertise and personalized service.
Founded in October 2004, Hart Davis Hart represents the alliance of three highly-respected industry leaders: John Hart, Michael Davis, and Paul Hart, with a combined experience of nearly 90 years in the rare wine business. John Hart, a renowned expert, has been a leader in the rare wine retail business for over three decades. With extensive careers at Christie’s, Davis & Company, and Sotheby’s, Michael Davis and Paul Hart are the most experienced wine auctioneers in America.
Hart Davis Hart has emerged as one of the most innovative and trusted sources for rare wines in America, with over 150 years of combined experience in the specialized field of fine and rare wines. No other firm can approach their level of expertise, network of relationships, or dedication to service.
Hart Davis Hart core services:
• Traditional Live Auctions
• Private Retail Services
• Online Sales
• Consultation
For more information on Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. or to arrange a media visit, please contact Marc Smoler at 312.482.9766, [email protected] or visit hdhwine.com.